[245] Ahead of the New Moon

"That sea demon..."

Alucard shook his head. "Yes, I absorbed its blood, and yes, that creature is undoubtedly dead now. I believe there's no one more accurate in determining the death of a being that doesn't belong to the living realm."

"Right, so what's the outcome? Did it succeed, or did it fail?"

"The answer is a failure. I couldn't swallow that thing into my river."

"Why?"

"Blood is the currency of the soul... But first, there's a crucial point to note. That creature didn't have a soul—" Alucard continued, "It was just a conglomeration of flesh, lacking all souls, spirits, or anything similar. It possessed only the essence of a fleshly being with the capacity to devour everything. Such a being cannot be absorbed into my River of Death; it's impossible."

"In that case... it can't be helped."

Confirming this information, Kazuya joined Alucard by the others.

"Kurokawa Kazuya... I didn't expect you to participate in this Holy Grail War," Barthomeloi Lorelei said, looking at him. "How about it? Want to join our side? After all, you're a member of the Clock Tower, right?"

"No... I'll pass." Kazuya bowed and smiled. "Thanks for the care during my time at the Clock Tower, but I'll decline this time. I want to witness this Holy Grail War firsthand, observe its beginning and end, not as a supporter of any particular side but as an impartial observer. So, please excuse me."

"Is that so? Well, there's nothing more to say then. Kurokawa Kazuya, you may die here in the land of Egypt." Barthomeloi Lorelei said firmly, and it wasn't a mere threat but Barthomeloi Lorelei expressing her genuine thoughts.

Indeed, she liked Kurokawa Kazuya's manga.

But that was all there was to it.

For her, what mattered more was the continuation of the leyline, the glory of Barthomeloi.

If they interfered, they should step aside. If they didn't, they'd die.

It was as simple as that.

"Alright, let's leave those matters for later." Martha spoke. "Firstly, I have something else crucial to share. In this Holy Grail War, a soul not belonging to this world has appeared! A Heroic Spirit not from this world!"

"That's him, right? The one you can't kill no matter what, the monster among monsters! Not from this world, perhaps only belonging to the manga world." Mordred pointed at Alucard. "He's the one, right? So, are we going to kill him next?"

"Regrettably, if directly facing all of you were the case, that wouldn't be bad. That way would undoubtedly be pleasant." Alucard smirked. "Unfortunately, it seems Ruler doesn't mean that."

"Yes, indeed! Alucard may seem not to belong, but he's, in fact—" Martha continued, "In this world, Vlad III is the one who doesn't belong... But then, the next one is different. That person undeniably does not belong to this world!"

Martha expressed some excitement as she mentioned the name: "Rider of the Black Faction! Dio Brando!"

Kazuya's pupils slightly contracted. Dio?

How could he...?

"That's right... I believe many of you are aware of this, right? That one who doesn't belong to this world, a completely fictional existence, has been summoned. As a Servant... and he was summoned over two years ago—" Martha continued.

"Afterward, I suppose everyone is already aware of the events? Although not belonging to this world, his strength, abilities, and character are not fake... In some unknowable way, he's become a being from another realm."

"Even so, what does that matter?" Barthomeloi Lorelei complained. "You make it sound so impressive... Haven't I seen enough of JOJO? He can stop time for only nine seconds at most, right? Though it seems impressive, countless Servants can kill him. Destroy the world? You're exaggerating, aren't you?"

"Generally speaking, that's true... However, Dio is different." Martha said, feeling the need to suppress her urge to mimic Dio's iconic "Muda Muda" barrage. "You're well aware of this, right? What Dio Brando is planning."

Saying this, Martha looked at Kazuya. "In JOJO, Dio has been lingering around Kairo for quite some time, planning something secretive, but it seems his plan failed since he was taken out by Jotaro Kujo. Now, he's reappeared, arriving in this world, seemingly to continue his previous plan... Honestly, placing the battleground in Egypt was a misguided move."

People like Mordred, who hadn't seen JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, looked bewildered. 'What is she talking about?' 'What plan?' 'Who is Dio?' 'What does Jotaro Kujo do?' 'I guess I need to catch up on JOJO...'

"So..."

"Ugh... It makes sense." Kazuya seemed to have thought of something and asked Barthomeloi Lorelei, "When was the last New Moon in Kairo?"

"New Moon... I think it's tomorrow, right? What's the matter?" Barthomeloi Lorelei carefully thought for a moment, unable to recall, and then looked at Mevis for the answer.

"That confirms it." Kazuya said, "Dio is reaching into another domain, and the time for his Stand to evolve is tomorrow, during the New Moon!"

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